How Much Money I Made Selling 30 Vintage Items | Antique Booth Tips | Reselling for Profit

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Love this video, Melanie! We tend to undercut ourselves and feel guilty about earning a profit! The truth is, if we are not a profitable business, we will not stay in business. Businesses need to make a profit in order to continue offering the amazing things we find for our customers!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

This is so true, Reinvented! I believe we vendor shop-owners are very deserving bc we are upcycling, saving our landfills, and contributing to the U.S. economy.

[@FreeRangeCottage]

Great video Melanie. When considering time finding, cleaning, storing, and tagging all of these treasures, no need to feel guilty about your prices! 😉

[@LostFoundDecor]

There is A LOT that goes into it!

[@womansworkproductionco]

I like the way you photographed them.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you!

[@timjuliekenney9495]

Just found your page... I love it. I will be watching for more advice. I sell online but, want to grow my business.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad you’re here! I sell a lot online as well, it’s a great way to reach a broader audience. Thanks for watching!

[@StoneCottageHome]

Good morning, Miss Melanie! Like you, I'm a thrifter/junker & have thought of doing an antique booth several times over the years. The more I watch your clear, business sense videos the more I'm considering it! Thank you for sharing your knowledge & experience. Have a lovely day!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re so welcome!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

This was very helpful. We live in an area that is rather insulated to the up-coming recession. So I appreciate you validating that I need to go forward with the appropriate pricing. You are just great--so authentic and are so likable!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

@@LostFoundDecor Here's a bit of good news--Podcaster/best-selling author, Clark Howard says we're not going to have a bad recession like they once thought. And then I heard from a different source (news source) the same thing. Yippeeeee!!!

[@jennhastings8887]

Just wanted to say I appreciate your videos so much, and I watch a lot of reseller channels. You present information so clearly and thoughtfully. And you seem so genuinely NICE!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Well thank! I would like to think I’m a nice person 😉 I’m glad you found it helpful

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

8:40 I love the Brass Rd., Runner can see why someone pay $42

[@juliannearlene7244]

You have done it again! Your videos are so valuable to resellers. The best.

[@Starsnscars5]

Awesome informative video!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tobypetzold4540]

You are very pleasant and insightful. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks so much!

[@michellekinder665]

I love these videos that give us insight into pricing. It's definitely an area, as a new booth owner, I feel intimidated by. THANK YOU!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caroltz8220]

I love how you stage your items... it's all so beautiful!

[@clairebenoit7867]

Thank you so so much for this video. I am retired I moved to North Carolina 5 years ago and I have so many things that I could sell but your ideas gave me inspiration to stage the items in a decorative manner maybe on Facebook marketplace and that will bring in some interest as you said for people that want things for decor not just for other reasons so again thank you and I will look through your other videos and it was just wonderful

[@LostFoundDecor]

YES! That's exactly the right idea Claire :) I hope you are able to sell some of your items!

[@Living_Your_Best_For_Less]

This was really great advice!! You can make money on literally anything, if you buy it right to begin with.

[@LostFoundDecor]

So true!

[@cherylbuchanan9923]

Glad to see what you paid and sold for..very informative

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

8:50 camera 📸 bag 💼?! That is super cool. I’m glad you got a good amount of money for that. My favorite item tooled leather is always in style my opinion.

[@sallymoffit3751]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! How generous.

[@LostFoundDecor]

My pleasure!

[@kjaxor]

Thank you so much for this. It’s so helpful to other entrepreneurs to be honest and open about numbers.

[@zonyasvintage7859]

Outstanding video! So much valuable information to take away from the way you marketed and staged those smalls. The little items really add up. I really need to regroup and think in terms of building my business like you suggested. Thank you!

[@brendanelson9635]

Great video. Thanks for the encouragement! I needed this.

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome!

[@sugarbomb26]

Brilliant video! So inspiring.

[@LostFoundDecor]

So glad!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

What?? That’s amazing!!! 10:21 🎨 to all use paint brushes that have a lot of character to them. Yes that’s super cool I wanna see how you set- 😊your tables.

[@jillbruce3624]

Thank you, Melanie for the great information. I am going to be selling years of vintage items very soon. I am not sure which platform I am going to use yet but your pricing tips will be very useful. Thanks again - loved the items you showcased and I would have been a customer on several. Haha

[@kilodeltawhisky1504]

I have a few of those items, had a few others, and have recently seen some at various places(sales). Very interesting!

[@muslinandmorris]

Thank you Melanie! 🌼🌷🌼🌷🌼

[@thelumpkinpatch]

Thank you so much for sharing! This video was a huge relief for me; pricing is always a struggle and it was nice to see that my prices align with yours pretty closely. I do sell in a rural area, so I have a harder time making the profits that I did when we lived in San Antonio. Pricing is especially difficult on handcrafted items; unless you are doing furniture it is hard to get your money's worth in time and labor.

[@marcypotter5495]

"The worth of an item is completely subjective"...SO TRUE! I was surprised at the price you got for your silver pitcher. I have a few and they don't move at half that price in my area. I do have good clientele, but they just don't seem to like silver plate.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I kinda surprised me too, honestly! It sold in a day. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Chloe_Stella]

Well-reasoned, practical guidance based on experience.

[@delightfuldaisy1]

Thank you soooo much for this excellent video! I really enjoyed seeing your items, what you paid, and the selling price. Great information! And brass is such a hot item right now ~ those little ducklings are adorable! I appreciate all you do to help and encourage us, Melanie!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

Glad to know that brass is hot right now. I just bought some brass birds at our Army thrift store--helping our soldiers and making a profit--A definite win!

[@roxannetart9371]

Thanks! I'm raising my prices on vintage and collectibles, as I have a new booth in an antique/vintage mall! I'm very excited to be there and hoping this will be my last major move in this area. I was on their waiting list for a booth for two years and my neighbor there was on the list for four years, so there's not much turnover. I still have a booth in another town, but I'm switching my inventory over to things that have a sells history with me and pray that the trend continues till I've completely cleaned out or at least come close, than I'll decided to stay or not. Thanks again, and I always glean so much info from your videos.

[@LostFoundDecor]

That's awesome! Super excited for you :)

[@angelabrooks8534]

This was very helpful. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome!

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

Mel, this is a great video. I have a couple of the items you sold and have not put them out yet; however!, I think I'll price them the same as yours and see if I get that! I price my items at least 3x the cost and if I feel it will bring more, then I consider myself lucky to have found it cheap! You are so right about the time cleaning, pricing, packing/unpacking, and staging the merchandise; it's a labor of love!

[@sweetgumlife5185]

I do the 3x and also have to add in booth rental fee, cost of paint supplies, percentage the store-owners take, and the cost of customers using their bank cards. So I have to buy super-low and be super-creative.

[@victoriaanson8188]

Hi Melanie, thank you for your videos, always enjoy them. Appreciate your advice. By the way your hair looks really cute! Looks like you just got it cut, nice.

[@mzlww]

That was so helpful! Keeping the amount and the percent in mind makes me feel better. I have dabbled and had cheap people make me want to not even try. I just need to try again

[@brucebell7307]

Might be good to tell ones new to the business about net profit, so they aren't disappointed. Great video! One of the best i' watched!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Absolutely! Sales are everything-gotta factor in expenses and time to determine your full business profit :) We do talk about that a bit in another video.

[@denisemcnabb]

Thanks! I’m a collector and the decorator price is what I need to think about when pricing items

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful :) It can be a very different price!

[@VintagePrincess27]

Thank You 💕

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome 😊

[@GracieRamirez-ul1qb]

Thank you very much for sharing your talents and ideas.

[@WeAreLegendsLLC]

Awesome advice! Enjoyed the video 😊

[@LostFoundDecor]

So glad!

[@meredithmitchell5157]

This is helpful! Thank you! 8:12

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome!

[@tammyr6669]

I love this video! Tfs!

[@MariasMiscellany]

Thank you so much for this video! For me it was inspiring and gave me ideas of some the kind of things I can be looking out for. I'm still learning to stage my item's to give a better presentation. I noticed the staging in each picture you showed 👍

[@LostFoundDecor]

I’m SO glad it was helpful!

[@vivianreid4575]

So much great info!!!😉

[@laurahopkins5748]

Thank you for sharing this- I have recently just started selling and this was very insightful! Also, I bought those brass ducks from you and just wanted to let you know "good for you!" for making such a great profit! A part of me is always like, I'll just see if I can find them, but sometimes the odds won't be in your favor, so I was happy to buy these, and I love them! :)

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you Laura! And yes, I also shop from others and pay the marked up price too, bc they found it instead of me! So it goes both ways :) Glad you like your ducks and good luck on your selling!

[@sharondelgado8798]

Thanks so much, your videos are so informative!

[@marycato1258]

Thank you. .

[@dianerobinson9248]

Helpful video! I am just starting with a booth and I am thinking of pricing higher to start. Thanks!

[@toniagarcia2885]

Great video,.. hope you do more like this,..but I love all your videos 😊

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@caninesfirst214]

This was SO helpful. Thank you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Great!

[@WowThingsThrift]

Thank you for the advice ✌️

[@maryjoymath3545]

Very helpful!!! Will definitely watch more!!!💞💞🙃💞💞

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danahinson8212]

Awesome video!! Thank you so much 💗

[@belindadoler9148]

Thank you ❤

[@elisayager634]

Thanks Melanie! I‘ve seen several of these items when out thrifting! WHY did I pass them up???🤦‍♀️

[@theoldsonso]

GREAT Video!!!!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamelacook7933]

Your thoughts and ideas are so helpful. Thanks for your willingness to share and help us grow our business. I enjoyed seeing the 30 items; however, they scrolled by so fast that I couldn’t look at the objects, read all of the text, and comprehend.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Oh man, I’m sorry! I had them set to scroll by slower but then I thought they were on for too long 🤦🏼‍♀️ I guess I should have gone with my first setting. Thank you for your feedback!

[@thriftedflip]

Great vid Melanie... Wanted to support my fellow KZbinr / Reseller by watching, liking and commenting on another great vid - Keep up the good work my friend! 👍

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you so much!

[@emilyredman5064]

Great information!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us! Question: do you happen to have any videos on how to photograph items for sale online?

[@christiewade7184]

Thanks

[@nancyroberts9798]

Thanks for your great advice!

[@b.l.wilson9724]

I definitely need to raise my prices. I’ve been told this by veteran vendors on many occasions. I always feel guilty pricing things high…realizing that guilt isn’t getting my booth rent paid.

[@sweetgumlife5185]

Me too!

[@julsjewels3185]

I make wreaths and try to keep it around 25 for a price point. I keep my cost between 5 to 10. Wreaths just don't sell for 25 anymore. I shop off season and thrift store for supplies to keep my supply cost low.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I think customers really undervalue how expensive good faux floral is! A $25 wreath is a steal :) I’m glad you found a price point that works for you, hopefully you can edge that up a bit as your customer base grows, because really I am sure they are worth much more!

[@greeningthings5134]

Loved the video, I know it's a lot but would love to also know where "it" was sold....

[@LostFoundDecor]

Most of these were sold in my online shop, some to local customers who know they can shop there with me, some to customers who have items shipped. I featured mostly these items bc I already had photos for them -it made for an easier video :)

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Do you have a video on places that you sold? What kind of places do you go?

[@Laanwa43]

Melanie, this was so helpful. Thank you for posting. I really struggle with pricing. Your points were well-made and valid Did you sell all of these things in your booth or were some of them sold online? Thanks for all you do to help. I always look forward to your videos.

[@LostFoundDecor]

They were all sold online (easiest things to find pictures of!) but some were sold to local Customers I have to pickup from my porch :) Glad it was helpful!!

[@zoeylife5852]

Thank you! I'm about to open a booth next month and I'm learning all I can 😊 I would love to hear any information on how to handle finances, how to pay taxes, do I need to keep receipts for purchases? Etc.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I would love to have you in our Booth Seller Bootcamp! We go over all that info and more. You’re gonna have a blast!

[@zoeylife5852]

@@LostFoundDecor how much is the bootcamp?

[@kimtyndall876]

Thank you! I have been in this business about 15 years now. It's hard to pay the prices these thrift stores are asking and at garage sales it gets a little hard to find a profit.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thrift store prices are for SURE going up! So ours will have to go up a little also… just how things work :)

[@robertaykavel1129]

I am looking for a fox horn ; ever see one ?

[@LostFoundDecor]

I have not!

[@mylittlecoloradocottage]

Those were great items. I watch your video when yo had haul them. Question how big is your? Does a seller need a big stash of items?

[@LostFoundDecor]

Actually I try to keep my inventory pretty thin. Too much stuff = my money sitting it plastic bins instead of in my pocket :)

[@jeanmariesvintage2933]

Thanks for the video! Do you think it's better to start selling for lower prices until you get a good customer base, then up the prices slowly over time? I just opened a brick and mortar and really want to establish myself as a fun shop where things are affordable?

[@LostFoundDecor]

Great question! I think that could make sense… but then the customers you attract from the starts will build the base of your business. And if you target bargain shoppers, it may be hard to transition to a higher clientele later. Always check your numbers to make sure you’re getting the profit you need to keep your shop in the black!

[@crystalparker2542]

Well dont feel bad about your prices. There were a few things i thought should have been more. Only a few, but still. And i dont have a booth, but i do sell things locally at a small consignment /gift shop that takes in local artists. And really the reason i say that is cause ive been an avid shopper of these kinds of things since i got my first job at 17. We wont talk about how many years ago that was.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for your thoughts! I also won’t say how long ago I was 17 😂

[@tblaylock66]

What sites do you sell on or suggest

[@carlapappalardo1901]

I just found this video tonight, and I thought it was v helpful but am wondering about where you are located. Can you just say the state or the metropolitan area generally?

[@LostFoundDecor]

I’m in Northwest Arkansas :)

[@carlapappalardo1901]

Great, thx. was just asking re the cost of things. Thanks.

[@LunaScarzXoxo]

thank u

[@beverlymcmackin8994]

Hi Melanie where would you suggest selling on line?

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi Beverly :) I see two main options if you're selling vintage--Etsy, and creating your own online shop. I actually walk through both in this video, perhaps it will be helpful for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHndp2lpZ8-Ep7s

[@beverlymcmackin8994]

@@LostFoundDecor Thank you Melanie I will check out the video.

[@sailfly2869]

How are you doing your math on profit for this example salt/pepper mill purchase price of $5 and sold for $22 giving you your stated percentage of 77%. Sorry I’m a little confused when it comes to profit percentage.

[@LostFoundDecor]

So to calculate profit margin, you subtract the cost of the item from the sale price. Then that difference is the profit-divide that number by the sale price, and multiply by 100. That’s your profit margin. So on that $22 sale, 77% of that revenue was profit. Hope that helps!

[@sailfly2869]

@@LostFoundDecor I see where you are going, but for me I divide the profit by the original purchase price instead.

[@Kristina-kn6bt]

Thank you for sharing... one question... how much profit do you average a month?

[@LostFoundDecor]

My business has multiple revenue streams 😊 And my monthly profit varies. But I pay into our family’s budget at least $3500 monthly

[@Kristina-kn6bt]

@@LostFoundDecor That's fantastic! Thank you for responding.

[@s.mcdonald3107]

As a shopper of resale items, not a seller, I always take into account that I cannot return items if they don't work in my decor the way I think they will as I could if I bought them at a retail shop. That being said, I enjoy buying things that not everyone has, but impulse buying an item that doesn't really fit after all is great if I can return it but is money lost if not.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Sure thing! As a shopper that's always good to consider :)

[@michaelstealth9852]

I like this format - always good to see buy and sale prices from other areas and learn about some items I may not be aware of. BTW, you are calculating your profit margin percentage incorrectly (backward) ie - the salt and pepper set you bought for $5 - your profit margin is actually 366% - not 77% (a 77% percent profit would equate to a sale at $8.85 - 100% profit at a $10 sale point etc).

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and it was helpful :) And appreciate your feedback on the numbers, but I believe it is correct? Perhaps you are calculating markup and not margin? I’m not a numbers expert, so I could be wrong 😊 🤷🏼‍♀️ But my shop pos system reports these as the margin numbers. Either way, it’s important to make sure that number is high enough, right? Thanks again for watching!

[@urbangirlcreations7591]

Did you sell the items for the amount of money you you take them at? And did it include sales tax? Just trying to get a better picture picture. Thanks!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi! Yes, the amount I shared on the screen is the amount they sold for. No, that did not include sales tax :)

[@sailfly2869]

Sounds like you have a good handle on your pricing but then again our economy is sinking and so should you on how you spend your money and time. One thing that has help me in my local sells is having an open mind on what I put into my booth. A few years ago I did change my strategy and that was buying extremely low and condition was everything and pricing it towards the resellers since in my area items are so plentiful with three sources to buy from locally. Every month I sell over 200 items and rarely are my monthly checks below $1,500.00 after booth expenses. Yes get to know what is selling and try to maintain that item and items and yes you would be surprised how fast decorative items sell versus collectibles. When it comes to furniture I keep it on the small side like plant, telephone, pedals type stands and in my area Rotan and tiki type furniture along with wall art especially mirrors, but then again keep it small. Coffee mugs, salt and pepper shakers, pyrex mixing bowls, art glass that doesn’t have to be old or even Morano art glass or just about anything in the mid century area that gets very good prices again in my area. The style of homes in your area also dictates the style of furnishings that people may be buying. My story to you is price it to move and time goes on you can better decide either to increase or even decrease your items price or not stock it at all. Beginners tend to over price there items, in many cases they started as a collector versus a reseller and what is hot today is cold tomorrow. Good luck hunting for those treasures, to make anything work you need both online sales as well as local sales to be successful.

[@just_cath_5789]

Love your videos but I think you’re underestimating profit margin. If you buy something for $1 and sell for $2 that is a 100% profit margin. So for example the $2 purchase that you sold for $12 was a 600% profit margin, which is awesome!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi! Thanks for your comment :) There’s profit margin and markup, I believe the way you’ve calculated is actually markup :) But either way, the point is that selling vintage items can be a great opportunity! Thanks for watching :)

[@marieb1422]

Do people really have a lot of angst in pricing items when the margin is good/great? Any extra dollars on those high-margin items typically don't offset the items with lower margins, items that don't sell, or items broken/stolen in your booth (at least for me).

[@LostFoundDecor]

Some people do! Especially if you’re newer and just starting out. I received a lot of advice early on that I priced too high. But you’re 100% right-it all adds up across the board

[@AAWagner]

Congratulations on your success. I hate to be critical but you are misrepresenting your profit percentage. A $4 item that sells for $16 represents a 400% profit. You made 4x what you paid. I hope that makes sense. You are doing great regardless.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you! That's actually markup, not margin :) They describe the same number--the difference between the cost of the item and what it sells for--but get there different ways. 400% would be the markup

[@rsimmons3726]

Where is part 1.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Sorry for the confusion! It’s just the first part of the video, before the slideshow of items

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

I thought your prices were very reasonable. And I’m not sure how you got those items for such a low price go to scavenger you are 🐦‍⬛ ❤

[@bonitastough9389]

Help me plz .I really need money..

[@coralraeartandthings]

❤

[@Lastfirst333]

Yay thanks for making thrift store prices rise a million bucks an item. THIS is why!!!

[@goldengodyse1685]

Too me the market is oversaturated.Too many people doing the same thing and people dont want to spend money.On marketplace peope damn near want you to give it away.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Vintage reselling has for sure grown in popularity over the past few years and there are a lot of people out there now selling. I don't sell on FB marketplace bc it's basically an online garage sale, I try to curate a higher level customer base by creating my own brand and online shop. Not all customers are the same--there are still some out there who appreciate you doing the work of picking for them and will pay a higher price :)

[@smoothsailingmp]

Some of your profit ,( to me,) isn't worth your time, handling, cleaning, packaging, mailing or UPS charges

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi Margie :) I don’t ship for free, customers pay for their shipping labels and a small portion of packing materials, etc. And yes, some items, if they were the only things I sold all month, the profit $$ isn’t worth the time. I am sharing though a selection of all the items I sell, and the small amounts of profit add up to a larger total amount. I’ve had lots of people ask for pricing help, that’s why I’ve shared these two videos :) You’re correct though in realizing there is more that goes into running a successful business than just these numbers, and we talk more about that in other videos.

[@gildastigliano7936]

antiques?

[@LostFoundDecor]

It’s meant it a “loose” way 😉

[@godisgreat8228]

Hello dear i am from India i have antique coins and notes and more please contect me thank you 👍

[@NforNadiya]

Wow so many good tips thank you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're so welcome!